Meeting new demand for studying the Ancient Worlds

There has been a surge in demand to study Greek and Roman Worlds in school

A new programme, created by the University of Liverpool, is offering 120 teachers expert advice in delivering Classics and Ancient History classes in schools.

The success of several television series – including those expanding on the British Museum’s Pompeii exhibition – has led to a surge in demand to study the Greek and Roman worlds at school.

The Liverpool project, in collaboration with a number of other university departments nationwide, aims to support the expansion of ancient history as a school subject.

The courses are designed for prospective teachers of ancient history at school level, whether they are experienced Classics teachers, teachers of other periods of history, or teacher trainees. 

Professor Thomas Harrison, from the University’s Department of Archaeology, Classics and Egyptology, said: “The appetite from teachers to introduce ancient history in schools is really inspiring.

“Last year, we organised a course in Liverpool to which teachers came from all over the UK.  So now we are expanding and taking the course to all corners of the country, starting with Bristol, London, Newcastle and Liverpool.

“The courses are tailored for teachers of other subjects such as Modern History.  And, because of the support we’ve received, we are able to offer a generous bursary scheme to ensure the majority of schools pay little or nothing.’

The courses are supported by the JP Postgate Fund at the University, as well as the charity Classics for All.

To find out more about the courses, which take place in Liverpool on Tuesday, 30^th July and Wednesday, 31^st July, please visit http://www.liv.ac.uk/sace/ahteachers/index.htm